J.V. Snellman statue

J.V. Snellman (1806-1881) was a philosopher,
statesman, author and newspaperman. He designed a comprehensive plan for
the development of the Finnish nation and of the state to be founded on
it. He stressed the value of the Finnish language and the importance
knowledge had in improving national self- awareness and action and as
the precondition of a functioning state. He also finalized the monetary
reform which gave Finland its own currency, the markka. Snellman's
principal philosophical inspiration was Hegel, whose views he applied in
his own works on government and philosophy. Snellman's memorial was
commissioned from Emil Wikström. The funds were provided by a public
collection.Wikström designed a monumental and dignified sitting figure
whose features were depicted in a realistic style. A plaster model was
completed in 1915, but the as funds accumulated very slowly and a war
was going on its casting was delayed. The work was finally unveiled in
1923. Architect Eliel Saarinen designed the statue's pedestal and
surroundings.

J.V. Snellman statue

J.V. Snellman statue in front of the Bank of Finland

The designer, Emil Wikström, knew tarot symbolism very well. He is the same person who designed another tarot statue mentioned in this blog before, Elias Lönnrot memorial.

The esoteric level of this statue is revealed when you get the little joke about Snellman's history. For Finns, he was "thefather of the Finnish markka" (currency before euro). Being autonomous part of the Russian empire, Finland got its own currency in the 1860's. Mr. Snellman (and his close ties to the Rothschilds) played the most important role in that process.

His statue stands in front of the Finnish central bank. He is depicted sitting on a chair, like a king on his throne. And he is considered "the father of the Finnish markka". Can you do the math?